Lithuania Arrests Russian Suspected Of Spying

Lithuanian prosecutors say they have detained a Russian citizen suspected of spying.

The prosecutor's office said the suspect is a Russian FSB security-service agent who sought to "penetrate governing institutions, law enforcement, and intelligence services."

The man -- born in 1977 and identified only as N.F. -- was detained last week and was ordered held for three months by a court the following day.

If convicted of espionage, he could face up to 15 years in jail.

Lithuania's intelligence agency said the arrest had thwarted an "attempt to access information known only to Lithuanian leaders with the aim of manipulating and influencing decision-making processes at the top level."

It is the fourth criminal case made public by EU and NATO member Lithuania in less than a year involving spying for Russia or Belarus.

Lithuania's intelligence agency also said it expelled three Russian spies last year who were working under diplomatic immunity.

The pro-Russian rebellion in eastern Ukraine and Russian military maneuvers in the region have triggered concern that Moscow could attempt to destabilize the Baltic countries.